Butte County

Biographies


 

 

BENJAMIN FARLAND JOHNSON, JR.

 

 

      BENJAMIN FARLAND JOHNSON, JR.—Whoever would partake of the certain pleasure through inspecting a well-kept creamery in which every appointment is the “latest word,” and where the whole arrangement portrays the far-seeing capacity of the management, and a wonderful attention to every detail making for health and happiness, should visit the Oroville Creamery managed by its proprietor, Benjamin Farland Johnson, Jr. Born at Spring Lake, Utah, on April 22, 1878, the son of Benjamin Farland Johnson, a native of Salt Lake City, he was the grandson of Benjamin Franklin Johnson, a pioneer of Utah who crossed the plains from Illinois and became one of the earliest settlers of the Mormon State. The family moved to Tempe, Ariz., in Salt River Valley, when Indians for the most part were there; and after an arduous experience as a stockman, the grandfather died there. Benjamin’s father farmed for years in Arizona, and now resides, retired, with his son.

      Mrs. Benjamin F. Johnson, Sr., was Miss Rebecca Stevens before her marriage, a native of Utah and a daughter of Walter Stevens, a pioneer who crossed the plains to Utah, and afterwards settled at Fruitland, N. M., where he died. Mrs. Johnson is also still living–the mother of nine children, three of whom are dead. Elinora is Mrs. Young, of Grayson, Utah; J. W. is proprietor of Johnson and Oppenshaw’s Meat Market in Oroville; Abby has become Mrs. Prothero of Gridley; Ellis has a meat market at Durham, in this county; Rose resides at home; and Benjamin F., Jr., our subject.

      It was in 1881 that the Johnsons went to Tempe, at that time a wild section, and set to work, among the first settlers there, to redeem the country. They homesteaded and dug a ditch from the river, and raised alfalfa; and then Mr. Johnson planted all kinds of nursery stock, both deciduous and citrus trees. They set out orchards of peaches and pears; but fruit became so cheap that growers abandoned the enterprise, and Mr. Johnson finally sold out and bought another place where he engaged in farming. All this time the lad, Benjamin, was attending the public school, after which he helped his father. He remained home, in fact, busy with stock and dairy farming, until he came to California.

      In 1907 Mr. Johnson sold out and removed to Gridley, Cal., and there he and his father bought twenty acres each and soon sunk a good well. Young Mr. Johnson planted to alfalfa, while his father set out an orchard; and about the same time the former engaged in the dairy business, which he continued for five years. Then, selling out, he opened a meat business in Wheatland, Yuba County, though he continued to reside at Gridley; but in nine months he disposed of his holding.

      In June, 1915, Mr. Johnson located in Oroville and started in creamery trade. He began with one wagon, delivering here; but gradually increased his outfit, at the same time adding the making of butter, ice cream, etc. He now runs three auto deliveries and supplies practically all of the trade in town. His establishment is located at 614 Montgomery Street, and there he has installed an electrical equipment for the making of ice cream and other creamery products, all of which are sold at both retail and wholesale. A three-ton ice plant adds ice to the articles made and sold here.

      When Mr. Johnson was married, he chose for his bride, at Tempe, Miss Caroline M. Jones, who was born in Lehigh, Ariz., of a pioneer family there; and six children have blessed this union: Hildred Caroline, Lulu, Edward, Vernard, Lloyd and Jesse. With their parents they are members of the Latter Day Saints Church at Gridley. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are independent Republicans.

 

 

Transcribed by Marie Hassard 16 October 2009.

Source: "History of Butte County, Cal.," by George C. Mansfield, Pages 1245-1246, Historic Record Co, Los Angeles, CA, 1918.


© 2009 Marie Hassard.

 

 

 

 

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